The satellite television industry in Europe provides a wide array of broadcasting services leveraging advanced satellite technology to deliver content to consumers. Major players include telecommunications giants and specialized satellite operators who offer everything from traditional TV packages to on-demand streaming services. As consumer preferences shift towards personalized viewing experiences, operators are increasingly investing in cutting-edge technology such as High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting. With the rise of streaming platforms and advancements like 5G, the industry is positioned for dynamic growth, and more companies are exploring innovative ways to serve their audience.


The list of satellite television investors reveals a mix of venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate entities, including names like Liberty Global and Telefónica. Headquartered across major European cities, these investors range in size from small startups to large multinational corporations. Many were founded in the 20th century and have actively participated in 2024 with several hundred deals collectively. These investments reflect an ongoing commitment to expanding the satellite TV market and embracing new technologies critical for future growth.


Top 12 Satellite Television Investors in Europe


1. Seraphim Space

  • Website: seraphim.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: seraphim-capital

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in SpaceTech. They provide funding and support to startups in the space technology sector through various investment funds and an accelerator program. In 2024 alone, they participated in 27 investments, showcasing their active role in the industry. Notably, they have invested in AST SpaceMobile, which focuses on satellite communications, and Skylo Technologies, a non-terrestrial network service provider. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in satellite communications, making them a significant player in the satellite television landscape.


2. Liberty Global

  • Website: libertyglobal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a telecommunications company based in London, England, that provides a wide range of services, including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company has grown to become a major player in the European telecommunications market, serving both consumers and businesses. Notably, Liberty Global has made significant investments in the satellite television sector, particularly through its involvement with SES Networks. In December 2015, Liberty Global participated in a Series H funding round for SES Networks, raising $460 million, and previously contributed to a $770 million debt financing in November 2010. These transactions highlight Liberty Global's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in satellite communications, which complements its core business in cable and broadband services. Additionally, Liberty Global has expanded its market presence through acquisitions, such as Unitymedia and Ziggo, further solidifying its position in the telecommunications landscape.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. In 2024, Bpifrance has been involved in 198 investments, showcasing its active role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Among its notable transactions in the satellite context, Bpifrance invested in Skynopy, a Paris-based space startup that raised $3.1 million to enhance its ground station offerings. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in the funding of Kinéis, a company that aims to deploy a constellation of 25 nano-satellites for the Internet of Things market, highlighting its commitment to advancing satellite technology. Furthermore, Bpifrance's involvement in Greenerwave, which received funding from various investors including Bpifrance, indicates its engagement in deeptech solutions that may intersect with satellite communications.


4. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions, EQT acquired Com Hem, a leading cable TV operator in Sweden, which highlights its engagement in the satellite television industry. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Melita Plc, a telecommunications company, and its investments in telecom infrastructure firms like Caiway and Delta Fiber further illustrate its strategic focus on enhancing growth and market position in sectors related to television and telecommunications. These transactions reflect EQT's commitment to supporting companies that play a significant role in the satellite and cable television landscape.


5. Sky

  • Website: sky.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sky

Sky Group Limited is a media and telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1989. It offers a wide range of services, including satellite television, broadband, and mobile communications, serving both consumers and businesses across multiple countries in Europe. Notably, Sky has made significant acquisitions in the satellite television sector, including the acquisition of Sky Italia and a takeover offer for Sky Deutschland from 21st Century Fox, valued at nearly £7 billion, aimed at creating 'Sky Europe' and expanding its customer base. Additionally, Sky UK acquired Virgin Media in 2010 for approximately $242 million, further solidifying its market position in pay TV. These strategic moves highlight Sky's commitment to enhancing its satellite television services and its overall market presence.


6. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Europe. It offers a range of funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions related to satellite technology, such as the €10 million funding awarded to NanoAvionics, KSAT, and Antwerp Space for the demonstration of the Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation. This funding is crucial for advancing satellite technology and commercialization, highlighting the EIC's role in supporting projects that have implications for satellite television and related industries. Other transactions include grants to companies like cinfo and Compira Labs, which, while not directly related to satellite television, showcase the EIC's commitment to fostering innovative technologies.


7. SES Satellites

  • Website: ses.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: ses

SES S.A. is a corporate investor based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, founded in 1985. As a leading satellite telecommunications provider, SES offers a wide range of services, including video broadcast and data connectivity solutions. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbits, ensuring global coverage for its customers across various sectors, including broadcasting, government, and maritime. Notably, SES has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of SES Networks in 2016 for $730 million, which enhanced their capabilities in satellite services. More recently, SES announced its acquisition of U.S.-based Intelsat for $3.1 billion, expected to close in 2025, which will create the world's largest satellite services provider. This strategic move underscores SES's commitment to expanding its influence in the satellite television industry and enhancing its service offerings.


8. Vodafone

  • Website: vodafone.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: vodafone

Vodafone Group Plc is a leading telecommunications company based in London, England, providing mobile and fixed services, broadband, and financial technology solutions. Founded in 1982, Vodafone has a customer base exceeding 330 million, connecting individuals, businesses, and governments. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation in technology. In the context of satellite television, Vodafone has made significant investments, including a $110 million participation in a Series B funding round for AST SpaceMobile, which aims to establish a cellular broadband network using satellites. Additionally, Vodafone's acquisition of Liberty Global for $21.3 billion in 2019 further solidifies its position in the telecommunications and media landscape, which includes satellite television services. These transactions highlight Vodafone's strategic interest in satellite communications and its potential role in the satellite television industry.


9. Apax

  • Website: apax.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: apax-partners

Apax Partners LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in managing investments across various sectors, including technology, internet/consumer, healthcare, and services. Apax collaborates with management teams of high-potential companies to drive growth and innovation, serving institutional investors seeking to enhance their capital through strategic investments in private equity funds. Notably, Apax has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the satellite television context, such as the acquisition of Marlink, Airbus Group's commercial satellite communication business, finalized on June 3, 2016. This acquisition highlights Apax's engagement in the satellite communications sector, which is integral to satellite television. Additionally, Apax's involvement in telecommunications operators like Melita Plc and Salt Mobile further underscores its interest in sectors that intersect with satellite television services.


10. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies relevant to the satellite industry, including Orbex Space, which raised $20,767,270 in Series C funding in April 2024, focusing on satellite launch services. Additionally, BGF's investments in Bigblu Broadband and broadbandchoices highlight their engagement in broadband and connectivity sectors, which are integral to satellite television services. These transactions demonstrate BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that operate within the satellite and telecommunications landscape.


11. Telefónica

  • Website: telefonica.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • Founded year: 1924
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: telef%c3%b3nica

Telefónica, S.A. is a leading telecommunications company based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1924. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including mobile and fixed communications, broadband, and digital solutions, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. Telefónica has made significant strides in the satellite television sector, notably through its acquisition of Canal+ on May 7, 2014, for approximately $1 billion. This acquisition allowed Telefónica to enhance its content offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive media landscape. Additionally, Telefónica participated in the Series A funding round for SATLANTIS on November 7, 2016, which raised over $2.7 million. SATLANTIS focuses on satellite technology, further showcasing Telefónica's interest and investment in the satellite television and technology space. Overall, Telefónica leverages advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive digital transformation across various sectors, including satellite television.


12. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Notably, Kima Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the satellite industry, including a seed funding round for Skynopy, a Paris-based space startup focused on ground station offerings, and a Series A investment in Loft Orbital, a company planning to launch satellites. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the satellite sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Satellite Television Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
Liberty GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20057
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
SkyUnited Kingdom (UK)10001+19892
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
SES SatellitesBetzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg1001-500019852
VodafoneLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19820
ApaxLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019818
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
TelefónicaMadrid, Madrid, Spain10001+19249
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050


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